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The prototype Sun Flyer 2 two-seat electric-powered airplane has flown
successfully for the first time, Bye Aerospace announced on Wednesday.
“We are excited about the future and the potential the Sun Flyer
family of aircraft has to revolutionize general aviation,” said CEO
George Bye, in a news release. The Sun Flyer 2 flew on Tuesday from
Centennial Airport, near Denver, Colorado. The testing will continue
to explore the airplane’s speed, altitude and endurance capabilities,
the company said.

The Sun Flyer has been in development since 2014. The company intends
to certify it under the FAA’s recently revamped Part 23 rules,
according to their website. As of March, the company had 105 deposits
for the Sun Flyer 2 and 16 deposits for the four-seat Sun Flyer 4,
according to its website. Bye said the Sun Flyer 2 will operate at a
cost of about $3 per hour, and is significantly quieter than
piston-powered aircraft of a similar size.
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The Sun Flyer, which is to be FAR 23 certified, is powered by an
electric propulsion system. Six lithium ion batteries run the electric
propulsion system, which directly drives the composite propeller.
Engine performance is controlled by an electronic control unit which
ensures optimal use of the energy stored in the batteries. The
electric design features reduced cooling drag compared to a
conventionally powered aircraft and nose frontal area is reduced due
to a smaller motor size and cooling intake required. Propeller
efficiency is improved due to the utilization of additional blade area
when contrasted to an internal combustion engine aircraft. The
aircraft is made from composite material, primarily carbon fibre. The
cockpit employs an iPad used for cockpit instrumentation display
including motor, battery and aircraft systems. The aircraft connects
to Redbird Flight Simulatoins Sidekick system, which wirelessly tracks
the Sun Flyer's engine, flight time, physical location and altitude in
real-time when in flight.

Easy to fly & operate
Next-gen Instrument Panel
Avidyne Avionics
Ventilated
Great Visibility
Long Operating Life
Ballistic Parachute Recovery System
One 45 lb motor with only one moving part
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